Abstract:

A three-year field trial (1997–2000) was conducted to determine the most suitable cutting management practice and nitrogen level for enhanced seed production in Dichanthium annulatum grass under central Indian conditions. The trial was arranged in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications, comprising all combinations of 3 cutting management practices (clipping, one cut and uncut) and 4 nitrogen levels (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg N ha-1). In general, cutting and clipping did not favour seed production in marvel grass in this experiment. The uncut treatment produced significantly more seed (mean 68.6 kg ha-1) than clipping (mean 58.9 kg ha-1) and one-cut (mean 52.4 kg ha-1) treatments at all the seed harvests, except during April 1999 and April 2000. During Nov. 1997, Nov. 1998, and Nov. 1999 seed harvests, N levels 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1 did not differ significantly with respect to seed yield. However, in April 1999 and April 2000 seed harvests, the seed yield increased significantly up to 40 kg N ha-1. The average seed yields obtained during April 1999 and 2000 at 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg N ha-1 were 70.7, 75.6, 84.2 and 84.9 kg ha-1, respectively.